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Farmland in 2025 Holding Steady or Headed Higher

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Landowners across the United States are watching farmland prices closely this year. After several years of rapid increases, 2025 is shaping up to be more restrained. Whether you’re planning to sell, hold, or invest, understanding the latest state-by-state shifts, regional drivers, and economic forces can help you make smarter land decisions in today’s market.

National Outlook for 2025

U.S. farmland continues to gain value, but the pace is slowing. The national average value per acre sits at $4,080 in 2025—up 7.4% from last year. Adjusting for inflation, however, the real gain drops to 3.9% (Source: USDA ERS).

Farmland now represents roughly $3.18 trillion in asset value, making up nearly 83% of all U.S. farm-related wealth (Source: USDA ERS). While demand remains solid, tighter financial conditions and high interest rates have started to temper growth in many areas.

State-by-State Snapshot

Farmland values vary sharply by state in 2025. Here’s what the numbers show:

Midwest

  • Iowa: Average farmland price has dropped to $11,467 per acre, down 3.1% from 2024 (Source: American Farmland Owner).

     

  • Illinois: Landowners are seeing an average decline of 3%, mostly driven by rising costs and falling crop revenues (Source: American Farmland Owner).

     

  • Indiana: Remains steady with no significant price movement; solid demand supports stable pricing.

     

  • Minnesota: Slight uptick of 1.2% in average farmland value, aided by tight inventory (Source: FCSAmerica).

 

Great Plains

  • Kansas: Farmland values rose 2.8% this year, with grazing land performing better than cropland (Source: FCSAmerica).

     

  • Nebraska: Recorded a small 0.4% dip due to weaker grain markets (Source: FCSAmerica).

     

  • South Dakota: Prices increased 9.5%, among the highest in the region. Low supply remains a key factor (Source: FCSAmerica).

     

  • North Dakota: Farmland appreciated 1.7% on average, mainly in eastern counties (Source: American Ag Network).

 

Northeast

  • Rhode Island: Holds the nation’s highest per-acre price at $17,500, driven by limited land and urban pressure (Source: World Population Review).

     

  • New Jersey: Second-highest in the country, averaging $15,400 per acre (Source: World Population Review).

     

  • Massachusetts and Connecticut: Prices remain high, hovering above $14,000 per acre (Source: World Population Review).

 

Southeast

  • Georgia: Farmland values rose by 4.2%, reflecting steady population growth and development demand (Source: USDA NASS).

     

  • Florida: Agricultural land continues to increase in value, now averaging $6,650 per acre—a 5.8% rise (Source: USDA NASS).

     

  • North Carolina: Gains of 4.5% in average price per acre, fueled by investor activity (Source: USDA NASS).

 

Southwest & West

  • Texas: Farmland saw a modest gain of 1.9%. Drought and water constraints kept values from rising further (Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center).

     

  • New Mexico: Remains one of the cheapest at $610 per acre (Source: World Population Review).

     

  • Arizona: Land prices dropped slightly by 1.2% due to ongoing water rights disputes (Source: American Farmland Owner).

     

  • California: High-value areas still command strong prices, but statewide, farmland values fell 2.3% this year (Source: California Chapter ASFMRA).

     

  • Wyoming: Averaging $850 per acre, with low demand but also low supply (Source: World Population Review).

     

What’s Driving the Market This Year

Interest Rates Stay High

Borrowing costs remain elevated in early 2025. Farmers looking to expand or invest are facing stricter lending terms, which can put downward pressure on values.

 

Lower Commodity Prices

Corn, soybeans, and wheat have all seen price drops in early 2025, especially in the Midwest. Lower farm income means buyers are becoming more selective.

 

Federal Support Up

To help stabilize the ag economy, the U.S. government raised farm assistance programs to $42.4 billion this year—an increase from 2024. This has provided a safety net in weaker regions (Source: AgAmerica).

 

Investors Still Active

Institutional buyers continue to show interest, but still own less than 2% of U.S. farmland. Most ownership remains in family hands, though some regions have seen more investor purchases (Source: Investigate Midwest).

New Trends Shaping the Future

Aging Ownership

More than 40% of U.S. farmland is held by people over the age of 65. That means a major generational turnover is underway, with land expected to change hands significantly in the coming decade (Source: Investigate Midwest).

 

Agrivoltaics Gaining Ground

Combining farming with solar energy is becoming more common. Over 500 sites across the U.S. are now part of the agrivoltaics movement—offering landowners new income sources.

 

Foreign Ownership Crackdown

Lawmakers have tightened restrictions on foreign entities buying U.S. farmland. New legislation introduced in 2025 pushes for more reporting and greater transparency.

Key Takeaways

  • Farmland prices in 2025 are more balanced than in previous years.

  • States like South Dakota, Georgia, and Florida are seeing solid appreciation.

  • States such as Iowa, California, and Arizona have experienced pullbacks.

  • Government aid, interest rates, and commodity prices are the biggest influencing factors right now.

  • Solar energy development, inheritance turnover, and foreign investment regulation are all reshaping land ownership.

Conclusion

Farmland is still a stable asset, but 2025 brings more nuance. The rapid growth of the past few years is being replaced by slower, region-specific shifts. Sellers should weigh timing carefully, while buyers may find better deals in states where values have flattened. As with all land decisions, staying informed by local data and national trends is key.

FAQs

Q: Which states have the cheapest farmland in 2025?
A: New Mexico ($610/acre), Wyoming ($850/acre), and Mississippi ($2,700/acre) rank among the most affordable (Source: World Population Review).

 

Q: Is land still a good investment in 2025?
A: Yes, in many areas, particularly where demand is rising and prices are stable. However, buyers should be cautious in markets showing decline.

 

Q: What causes land prices to fall?
A: Falling commodity prices, high interest rates, water issues, and reduced investor activity can all contribute to price drops.

 

Q: Will federal farm payments continue beyond 2025?
A: While 2025 payments were increased, future support will depend on political decisions and economic conditions.

 

Q: How much U.S. farmland is owned by foreign investors?
A: As of 2025, less than 3% is foreign-owned. However, scrutiny has grown in recent years, leading to new legislation (Source: OurMidland.com).

 

Q: What is agrivoltaics and why does it matter?
A: It’s the dual use of land for farming and solar energy. It matters because it gives landowners another income stream and can increase land appeal.

 

Q: Will Midwest prices keep falling?
A: Not necessarily. Some areas may bounce back if crop prices recover and interest rates drop. For now, growth is limited.

 

Q: Are institutional buyers dominating the market?
A: No. They’re active in some regions, but most farmland is still owned by families and individuals.

Disclaimer

This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. The information reflects broad market observations and draws from a variety of publicly available sources considered accurate and current at the time of writing. However, laws, regulations, and local market conditions may change. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals regarding their specific situation before making any real estate, financial, or tax-related decisions.